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Not yet willing to abandon its market drive against Apple’s all-conquering iPod range, moneybags Microsoft Corp. has this week announced a fresh line of Zune multimedia players and the upcoming addition of its new ‘Buy from FM’ service.
Microsoft unveils two new Zune models and its \'Buy from FM\' Wi-Fi radio service. Image: Robert Nelson/Flickr.
Redmond-based Microsoft has said that, as of next week, the introduction of powerful software and firmware updates will enable every Zune portable media player to wirelessly download or stream millions of songs through thousands of connectivity hot spots spread across the United States.
This will see Zune owners granted the ability to discover, tag and purchase songs directly through their personal player’s onboard FM radio, while also being able to wirelessly access the expansive content choice provided by the Zune Marketplace.
“With the combination of subscription, wireless access to millions of tracks, and powerful discovery features like personal recommendations and the ability to buy music from FM radio, Zune is taking the digital music experience to the next level,” enthused Chris Stephenson, general manager of Global Marketing for Zune.
Also due for release early next week, Microsoft is set to expand its Zune product line in the form of new 16GB and 120GB players and also new colour combinations including blue-on-silver and all-black designs.
The new 'Buy from FM' feature will see users able to wirelessly tag and purchase songs they hear through their player’s built-in FM radio tuner. When in a Wi-Fi hot spot, songs can be downloaded to the waiting Zune immediately. And, when outside of Wi-Fi coverage, songs will be queued ready for download when the player is either connected to a home computer or situated back within a hot spot.
Microsoft is also pushing its storage-busting Zune Pass subscription service, which enables the customer to sidestep per-track payments and gigabyte hardware ceilings by downloading or streaming music to their player and/or computer via a monthly flat rate of $14.99 USD.
Other update additions include the likes of Personal Picks, access to Zune Social, and new discovery tool Channels, which allows users to explore channels prepared by experts from the music industry such as the Billboard Top 100, FADER magazine and KEXP radio. Channels come with a monthly Zune Pass subscription or can be purchased separately.
User-requested firmware extras include Games on the go (including Hexic and Texas Hold ‘Em for free), Audiobooks, Audible, and compatibility with Web sites powered by OverDrive.
Microsoft’s new Zune players and Zune-specific firmware features will be officially rolled out on Tuesday, September 16. The new 16GB Zune will be priced at $199 USD, and the 120GB model will come attached to a price tag of $249.99 USD.
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